Netanyahu Calls for Unity Government, Warns Against Reliance on Arab Parties

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement Saturday evening calling for the formation of a national unity government amid ongoing efforts by the "Change Bloc" to establish a new government. Netanyahu expressed strong concern over the possibility of a government being sworn in as early as the coming week that would depend on the support of Arab parties, warning that such a move would endanger Israel's security and future.

"This is a time for unity," Netanyahu stated, emphasizing his long-standing call for such a government. He specifically warned against a government that would "rely on supporters of Hamas" and those who seek to "destroy the State of Israel" and establish a Palestinian state in its place. He argued that a government dependent on parties that "hate Judaism" or "extreme Islam" could not effectively combat terrorism or preserve Israel's Jewish character.

Netanyahu further asserted that such a government would not remove the existential threat from Iran and claimed that a third of its members refer to IDF soldiers as war criminals and praise Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists. He painted a dire picture of the potential consequences, suggesting that internal divisions, akin to but worse than those seen in European cities like Paris and Brussels, would erupt in Israeli cities.

"This is not imaginary, these are not scare tactics. This is the reality we will face, and therefore we must stop it, because it is a matter of our lives," Netanyahu declared, concluding his warning with, "With such a government, Israel simply will not survive."

In contrast to the potential "Change Bloc" government, Netanyahu proposed a broad national unity government that would include all "national camp" and "Zionist" parties committed to preserving the state. He believes such a unity government could permanently remove the threat from Iran, safeguard the country's Jewish identity, and foster social unity.